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Wednesday, September 13, 1989 / University Daily Kansan
Even KU Info doesn't have all the answers
Michael Shonrock. Lawrence graduate student, answers a question about bus routes.
By Holly Lawton
By Holly Lawton Kansan staff writer
From bus schedules to directions to Des Moines, from Royals' scores to "How many teeth does Lassie have", it's all part of a day in the life of Zena Monsour.
"It's a pretty non-stop job," she said.
Monsour, Pittsburgh senior works for the University Information Center, commonly known as KU Info.
Her duties include typing up daily information sheets, clipping articles from local newspapers and filing them, recording each call and its nature on paper, throwing away articles that are no longer useful, or updating up on bulletin boards and, of course, answering the phone.
Monsour, who has worked at KU Info for a year, said the job could be frustrating because many people understand KU Info's true function.
"So many people think we're here to answer trivia questions," she said. "They don't realize we really take the time to look for the answer, and then they get upset when we don't know. But we're just as disappointed as they are if we can't find the answers."
Monsour said students sometimes became hostile if their questions were not answered.
'Every now and then I get one who says, 'My tuition is paying for your job, so why should I pay if you
don't know the answer?' ' she said.
KU Info is financed by the department of student life, said Liz Tolbert, Lawrence senior and an
employee at the center.
Michael Almon, Lawrence graduate assistant, said another misconception of KU Info was that it was a directory assistance service. However, he added that the staff tried not to get frustrated with these callers.
referring them to someone else and giving them the runaround." Almon said. "We try to help them cut through the red tape."
"We make every effort to give people a real answer instead of
During a normal three-hour shift, staff members have a lot to do, Monsour said. Clipping articles from local papers is necessary to provide students with the most complete, updated information.
These articles must be saved and carefully filed, she said. After about a week, however, the articles are no longer current.
Daily information sheets must be typed out. These sheets include a rundown of every KU event happening on that day. Information sheets are filled out every time KU Info learns of an event up to a year in advance. Monsour said workers usually typed out the events all at night shift, preparing for the next day's activities.
Staff members also are required to notify each other if they receive a chronic or crisis phone call. This alerts the rest of the staff so they can be ready to help.
Almon said there were advantages and disadvantages to every shift.
"It's nice to work during the day, but it's busiest then," he said. KU Info receives 500 to 2,000 calls a day.
"It's less busy at night, and that's when we get our most unique callers, if you don't mind not sleeping much."
Highway signs may be paving Hayden's way
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The Associated Press
TOPEKA — Gov. Mike Hayden's administration has moved quickly to promote the state's $2.65 billion highway improvement program, unveiling new signs at construction sites yesterday that proclaim "Highways as Promised."
Administration officials denied the signs were political, despite a subtitle on the signs that says, "Governor of Kansas."
House Minority Leader Marvin Barkis of Louisburg said the signs were little more than campaign advertising for Hayden, who is expected to seek re-election in 1990.
However, Department of Transportation spokesman Patrice Pomeroy and Kathy Peterson, Hayden's press secretary, defended the signs. They said they would show where tax dollars were spent.
Peterson said she assumed that criticism would come from oppo-
nent groups.
The highway plan will be financed through increases in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and the state's sales tax.
Barkis suggested that the Hayden administration should post signs at gas stations, taking credit for the tax increases.
The new signs will be put up at project sites financed by the program, Pomeroy said.
KU Membersl
Do you commute from Kansas City, Topeka, Tonganoxie, Leavenworth, Eudora, Baldwin, and other cities? Join the Commuters Club for Lunch Wed., Sept. 13, 11:30-1:00 Alcove G, KS Union
ASSOCIATION of university residence halls
of university residence halls
Serving the students in the Residence Halls since 1961. Next Meeting: September 19, 7:30 Foneer Room, Burge Union.
--experience is required.
HALO
Hispanic American Leadership Organization
Sundays, 7-9 p.m., Robinson Studio 240.
$10 semester fee (12 classes)
$3 per class.
Society for East Asian Studies An organization oriented toward promoting unity and cultural understanding among students interested in learning about various aspects of East Asia. Next meeting: Tues., Sept. 26th, 5:00 p.m. in the International Room, KS Union
Classical, Popular and Ethnic dance.
Interested in Dance?
We meet on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
International Room, Kansas Union
Expressions Dance Club offers classes in many dance styles taught by professionals. No previous dance
iAdelante!
Classes include:
Call Laura Mille at 841-9273 or Brenda Hotard 864-4264.
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JOIN INDIA CLUB NOW!
KU INDIA CLUB presents
Tansen Music Festival 1989
A Night of Indian
Classical Music
L Shankar:Violin
lku Vinayakram : Ghatam
Caroline: Tambura
6th October 1989
Caroline : Tambura
Murphy Hall
Tickets $11, 58 (students) available at SUA 4-3477,
Vishy 842-6612, Srini 841-5934, Kshama 843-9103.
the Swarthout Recital Hall
We offer on and off campus Bible studies, fellowship, devotions, and worship opportunities.
CBF is a group of undenominational Christian students with a serious commitment to the Bible as God's word for our lives.
Contact: Darmon Gray 842-5213 or Dave Petr 842-5342 or Bert Hull 749-3601
Soonsored by the Southside Church of Christ, 25th and Mis8041, 843-0778
Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students
Join the KU Chapter of BACCHUS
Boost Alcohol
BACCHUS
- Bacuch is looking for students interested in developing skills in leadership, networking, responsibility and organization.
- Bacchus promotes community involvement through our annual Fun Run and our Alcohol Awareness Campaigns
Interested, fun-loving individuals please contact Sue at Watkins Health Education Dept. 864-9570
Does your organization need to raise money?
Make $4.00/hour per person
placing inserts into the Kansan!
For more information, contact Jerre Medford
DON'T MISS:
Latin American Solidarity's Rice and Beans Dinner
6:00 p.m., Thursday, 9-14-89,
at ECM, 1204 Oread.
Featuring:
Central Americans speaking for themselves through videotapes and dramatic readings.
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Commission on the Status of Women
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 4:00 pm, Governor's Room Kansas Union (level 4)
Our Goals include:
- Providing a vehicle for women's voices to be heard.
- Providing educational opportunities through workshops, programs, etc.
- Stimulating Interest in the Women's Recognition Program as a means of supporting outstanding women.
For more information, please stop by 118 Strong or call 864-3552
CSW
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